Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Abstract

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of positional vertigo that occurs due to disorder of the inner ear’s vestibular system. A total of 17–42% of patients are diagnosed with BPPV every year. The prevalence of BPPV increases with age and is seven times higher in those older than 60 years. BPPV is most commonly idiopathic but also related to advanced age, ear disorders and head injury. Changes in position, lack of sleep and stress may trigger the event. The patient experiences spinning dizziness, pre-syncope, nausea with possible emesis and rotatory (torsional) nystagmus followed by the triggering event. BPPV is diagnosed based on general physical examination, auditory and vestibular function tests, electronystamography and scan. Patients with BPPV are managed with manual repositioning procedures, life style modification and antivertigo medications but in extreme cases the patient need to undergo surgery.